Welcome to New Directions

Since 1885, New Directions has been evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of the Winnipeg community. We have redefined ourselves and our services to work better with children, youth, adults and families as they chart their own course within the community. We strive to offer everyone the same opportunities to achieve the life they’ve dreamed of – a life full of promise, potential, respect and self-worth. Our actions and services are all defined according to our operating principles – principles based on the values of integrity, honour, holism and respect

In 2012 in response to a number of occasions of vigorous community opposition to the establishment of community homes for adults eligible for residential care funding or children in the care of Child and Family Services the Community Inclusion Awareness Committee was created. This committee, Chaired by Dr. Jennifer Frain, CEO of New Directions included other service provider representatives, representatives from various provincial government departments, and other community stakeholders. The product of this committee’s work is Beyond NIMBY: A toolkit for opening staffed community homes in Manitoba. This toolkit addresses common misconceptions about these homes, outlines the steps required for licensing, and provides communication tips and strategies.

Early feedback from the Executive Director of Abilities Manitoba (a large coalition of service providers):

I spent some time reading through the NIMBY toolkit this morning. What an impressive tool; it is thorough, informative and easy to read. This will be of benefit to the entire province until we arrive at the place where we no longer need such a tool.

– Margo Powell

Free Webinar

Making Sense of Trauma: Practical Tools for Responding to Children and Youth

The Webinar provides tools and interventions for anyone working with children and youth who have experienced trauma. Participants learn how to use a Trauma-Informed perspective to better understand the relational, neurobiological and developmental impact of trauma on children, youth and their caregivers. The webinar has been translated to American Sign Language (ASL) and French closed captions.

Webinar Objectives:

To develop an understanding of the impact of trauma on children/youth

To learn the principles of trauma informed care

To explore the current understanding of the nervous system and trauma survival responses

To identify specific tools that assist with freeze/flight/fight survival responses in children and youth

In the Resources section, there are handouts and a written guide to the Webinar. Specific resources for educators are available. For anyone using the webinar with a group, there is a Facilitator’s Guide to the Webinar that is available upon request by emailing us at MOST@newdirections.mb.ca

To download a PDF copy of our new book ” Big Feelings Come and Go” visit:

Discover a New Direction

Remember that each of us touches the lives of those around us. Healthier, happier children, youth, adults and families mean healthier, happier communities. You can help make your community stronger, starting with yourself….and New Directions.